In 1944 Sir Richard Dyke Acland and his wife Lady Anne made the decision to hand over their ancestral estates to the conservation charity as being hereditary landowners was at odds with their political beliefs. Their wish was that the land be enjoyed by everyone and for the countryside to be protected.
Today, as well as welcoming visitors throughout the year, both estates are home to pioneering nature conservation projects.
At Holnicote, these include the re-introduction of beavers to Exmoor, the Stage Zero river restoration where the River Aller has been reconnected to...
The first phase of conservation work on National Trust Killerton’s historic Grade I listed chapel is now complete.
The restoration of the chapel has seen repairs to different elements of the building. The iconic rose window, which was showing signs of decay, has been removed, re-leaded and reinstated. Broken panes in some of the other stained-glass windows have been repaired and cleaned. Tom Coombe, Collections and House Manager at Killerton, talks excitedly, “I was delighted to see the rose window return to Killerton after being cleaned and conserved. The nineteenth century...
The National Trust’s Killerton, near Exeter, has begun an extensive interventive conservation plan to repair the historic chapel. The Chapel of the Holy Evangelists at Killerton was built in 1841 at the request of Sir Thomas Acland, 10th Baronet.
Designed as a grand chapel by C. R. Cockerell and is based upon the Lady Chapel and Crypt of Joseph of Arimathea at Glastonbury. It is Killerton’s only Grade I listed building and so the most significant building on the Estate.
The chapel was in need of extensive repair and building works began on the stonework structure in...
The National Trust is today (Monday 20 March) launching its annual blossom campaign, which aims to bring the beauty of blossom to more people and to celebrate the start of spring.
However, due to repeated cold snaps particular in recent weeks and the driest February in thirty years, Britons may need to wait a little longer than usual to be able to enjoy nature’s most beautiful displays, as cold temperatures, wind and snow lead to difficult conditions for flowering trees and hedgerows across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
‘Thirsty for Fashion’ a new exhibition at Killerton house just outside Exeter, will showcase over 50 items from the National Trust’s largest fashion collection, highlighting pieces that demonstrate the techniques used to repair, remodel, reuse and rewear clothing from the 18th century to the present day.
The exhibition, running from 11 February to 5 November, will also feature some of the ways contemporary designers and makers are rethinking our approach to fashion as our collective understanding of the environmental impact of the fashion industry grows.
The National Trust Estate at Killerton has joined forces with Devon Carers this Christmas by inviting the charity’s Peer Support Craft Group to decorate one of the trees inside the house.
Earlier this year, Killerton signed up to become a Carer Friendly Devon supporter and the two organisations have already carried out some great work together.
In the run-up to Christmas, Killerton invited Devon Carers to put its stamp on one of the fir trees in the chapel. The Peer Support Craft Group made a wonderful array of different decorations and the Peer Support team did a...
On select dates throughout December, visitors to Castle Drogo on Dartmoor will get to experience a 1920s Christmas party inspired by the festive traditions of the former owner, Julius Drewe and his family.
Open every Friday to Sunday up to 18 Dec and then daily from 19 to 23 December, this is the first Christmas at the castle since the National Trust reached the end of a 9-year conservation project to make it watertight earlier this year.
In the Entrance Hall, guests will be greeted by a 14ft tree, which reaches the top of the impressive Lutyens-designed ceilings. An...
During October half term in and around Devon, National Trust places are hosting an array of family friendly activities and terror-ific Halloween adventures. From spooky scarecrow trails to exploring autumnal colours and harvest displays to wood carving. There’s lots going on to keep your ghouls and monsters entertained.
What’s more, every time you experience a National Trust day out, you help care for these special places for future generations.
Across Devon, National Trust places are full of warmth as the trees slowly turn to red, orange and gold, enjoy crisp walks with family and friends and steaming cups of hot chocolate. There’s lots on offer this season, from garden tours and fashion exhibitions to exploring history and showcasing nature.
What’s more, every time you experience a National Trust day out, you help care for these special places for future generations
The National Trust at Knightshayes in Devon is excited to announce the return of daily upstairs tours of its spectacular Gothic Revival house. Running throughout June, the volunteer-led tours offer an opportunity for visitors to visit the first floor at Knightshayes for the first time since 2019. The tours are one of many events taking place this year as the property celebrates 50 years since it was gifted to the National Trust.
The house at Knightshayes is a rare example of the work of William Burges, whose lavish designs have always inspired extremes of opinion. The upstairs...
